Russian Ministry of Defense and the national aircraft industry must ensure the serviceability rate of the Russian armed forces’ fleet of at least 80%, RIA Novosti reports with reference to Russian Minister of Defense, Sergey Shoygu.

“Our objective is to ensure the serviceability rate of the Russian armed forces’ fleet of at least 80%,” he said at a meeting dedicated to deliveries of aircraft to Russian air forces held at Irkutsk Aviation Plant (Irkut Corporation).

Shoygu reminded that the State Arms Program includes deliveries of Su-30SM fighters and Yak-130 operational trainers manufactured in Irkutsk. “There are no problems with deliveries of aircraft in the network of the State Defense Order,” the minister said.

At the same time, he believes that the aircraft industry must ensure the high quality of the aircraft.

Shoygu noted that the ministry’s senior officials understand that it is very important to provide the enterprises with sufficient workload under current economic conditions. “That is why we will redistribute some of the UAC’s orders in the network of the State Defense Order. This refers to Irkutsk Aviation Plant and Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant,” he said.

In 2014 Irkut Corporation delivered 41 Su-30SM and Yak-130 jets to the Russian armed forces. In 2015 the corporation must increase its output by 50% (in the network of the State Defense Order and export contracts).

Prior to the meeting Shoygu inspected the plant’s production facilities, including workshops responsible for assembly of Su-30SM and Yak-130 as well as unique MS-21 assembly line.